The changes in our lives caused by COVID-19 are unprecedented. How do we grasp the full impact on our lives and the planet?
Let me help you to do this by using the 4 C’s:
1. Commitment
2. Control
3. Challenge
4. Communication
1. Commitment
This means accepting and committing to the changes instead of resisting them. Sitting on your couch in front of the TV and expecting everyone else to sort your problems out is not going to work. You have to accept that your life will change and commit to doing things differently.
2. Control
There is so much in our little lives at home, and in the world outside, which feels out of control. This sense of lack of control can be frightening, but there is a way out of it.
Get a sheet of paper and a pen. Mark out two columns and label them ‘In control’ and ‘out of control’. Now fill in these columns. Next, focus your energy on what you can control. Stop wasting your precious energy and let go of what you cannot. If you want, you can take this further by reflecting on how you can work towards gaining more control over some of the ‘out of control’ list. If you cannot just let it go.
Review this list every few weeks. You will see that the list of what you can control is getting longer.
3. Communication
Every change, no matter how small or large, needs clear communication pathways for it to be managed effectively. On a micro-level, it could be that you have decided to have roast potatoes for dinner instead of the chips. It needs to be communicated to your partner before dinner. In the same way, major organisational changes need clear communication to mitigate the corrosive effects of rhetoric and rumour.
What are your options of communication with all the changes that are taking place for you now? If you are a couple or family, are you talking calmly and clearly about managing the changes in the home. If you are a manager, are your employees receiving clear guidance, and are the lines of feedback open and consistent.?
The other aspect of communication is about reaching out and asking for help. People cannot read your mind and know what will help you through this challenge. You have to communicate it to them. It is not a sign of weakness to reach out and ask for support. Make a list of everyone you know; friends, family, colleagues, neighbours etc. Now pick 9 people from this list, who can provide practical, psychological and moral support. Connect with them and sustain this support circle.
4. Challenge
Every challenge in our life is an opportunity to grow and learn new skills and ways of being. Instead of seeing this as something that will put you back on your life path, think of it as taking you further ahead. You may have heard of the saying ‘a setback is a springboard.’ This setback can springboard you much further ahead. Without it, you would be in the same place as before. What are your current opportunities? For example, do you now have time to do that online course you always wanted, are you using the time to learn more healthy ways of cooking, or finish that painting that has been gathering dust in the attic? This is your time to grab those opportunities and not let them go.
Now make a list of all your action points from your 4 C’s and get started to a more pleasing and positive life!
AUM Wellbeing Consultancy is running online courses and one to one coaching on Change Management.
Contact us for more support on 07888747438